CompletedDocumentary Short

The Boat Builder

A portrait of a master boat-builder in Saaremaa, whose craft is disappearing with each passing winter.

YearFiimu OÜ · 2025Runtime24 minFormatDigital + 16mm

MADE UP Shorts DocPoint

About the Film

Ülo has been building wooden boats in the same workshop since 1973. He learned from his father, who learned from his. The workshop smells of pine resin and machine oil. Outside, the sea is visible through a small window that has never been cleaned. We filmed with him across three winters — watching him plane wood, drink tea, and refuse to explain himself.

Ülo's hands planing the hull of a wooden boat — Saaremaa, February 2024 — Arri Amira + Bolex 16mm

He responded to the camera differently when it made noise. Like it was real.
— Karl Kask, Director

Director's Note

I wanted to make a film about someone who simply does a thing with complete seriousness, without irony or self-consciousness. Ülo is that person. The 16mm was a practical choice — he responded to the camera differently when it made noise. Like it was real.

Behind the Scenes

Ülo planing a hull plank — Winter 2022 — first shoot

The workshop from outside, sea in background — The workshop window

16mm Bolex on the workbench — Bolex 16mm setup

Ülo drinking tea between takes — Between takes

Close-up of wood shavings on the floor — Wood shavings, winter 2023

Completed hull in the workshop — The finished hull

Saaremaa harbour at dusk — Harbour — establishing shot

Pine resin and machine oil on the workbench — The smell of the workshop

Editing suite in Tallinn — Post-production, Tallinn 2024

Ülo's hands on the finished oar — The last detail — always the hands

Credits

Director: Karl Kask
Cinematography: Karl Kask
Sound: Jaan Mets
Edit: Mari Tamm
Production: Fiimu OÜ
Runtime: 24 min
Format: Digital + 16mm
Festivals: MADE UP Shorts, DocPoint